I’ll say this, “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” looks tremendous so far. The trailers have a terrific immediacy in their tone. There’s an urgency there. Something feels as if it’s at stake even though we know the outcome. The hallmark of a good prequel; it doesn’t matter if you know how it all ends (wish Lucas would have figured that out).
READ MORE: Composer Michael Giacchino Replaces Alexandre Desplat On ‘Rogue One: A Star Wars Story’
But a few things about the movie – or at least what’s been shown in the trailers so far – bug me. Wasn’t this supposed to be a band of mercenaries and thugs recruited by the rebellion to steal the Death Star plans? Wouldn’t it have been much more compelling if the characters weren’t actually heroes, but maybe morally gray guerrillas who perhaps found their humanity through what is likely an act of sacrifice for a greater cause? A cause they weren’t sold on initially, but begrudgingly went forward with?
READ MORE: Rumored Runtime For ‘Rogue One: A Star Wars Story’ Revealed
There’s no way in telling if that’s not indeed the case, but “Rogue One” looks like it’s filled with traditional heroes. Felicity Jones is supposed to be maverick, a self-described “rebel” plucked out of jail. But half the time in the trailers she’s spouting lines about not giving up “hope” and similar optimistic sentiments that feel like they’d go over a little bit better if she was more cynical and didn’t entirely believe in the rebellion.
And the Force. Can we please get the Force out of one “Star Wars” film for once, please? It would be nice to see a “Star Wars” story not beholden to the mystical force. Other stories can be told. I digress, these are my personal quibbles and you may not care.
Regardless, a new international “Rogue One” trailer has arrived. It’s similar to the one that landed earlier in the week, but it’s still a little different, boasting some new footage including some admittedly very exciting X-Wing fighting clips that really coax out your inner child and geek. It further fuels my excitement for the film even if I’m not 100% with what appears, appears I stress, to be the narrative that drives these characters. Maybe you’ll disagree, but weigh in once you give it a watch. Also, can someone sneak me the original Gary Whitta-written draft of the movie after I’ve seen it? Would love to know how much folks like Scott Z. Burns and Tony Gilroy cleaned it up/changed its (presumably?) darker tone.
